The Drive

We rented a car in Zurich to drive from place to place throughout our 3 week vacation. When it came to our first long stretch, Lauterbrunnen to Lake Como, we had several routes to choose from. Being the type that loves to see the countryside, I chose the slightly longer route that did NOT include an 11 mile tunnel. Because, really, who wants to be in a tunnel for 15 straight minutes of a 3 hour drive??? Turns out, I would have LOVED to have been in that tunnel. Instead, we unknowingly chose one of the most popular and picturesque routes OVER the Swiss Alps. The drive included both Grimsel Pass and Furka Pass. We've included shots from the drive, but none of them really do the switchbacks and views any justice. Brett drove (thank you) and the kids loved the epic vistas. My palms were sweating the entire time and this proved to be the most stressful drive I've ever experienced. 

Here are a few videos we found that provide a better sense of the experience:

Grimsel Pass Drive (Meiringen to Gletsch). This video is the same direction we drove up and over this pass. You can skip to the 36 minute mark as they arrive at the summit. It's the descent on the south side of Grimsel that's a nail biter. But, the entire drive is unique, with massive and gorgeous views.

Front/West side of Furka Pass. This is a short video showing the side we ascended from Gletsch heading east. This shows the famous Belvedere Hotel and Rhone Glacier (which we totally missed) along the way.

Back/East side of Furka pass from a cyclist view. This was our final decent from the Alps and the most stressful section of the drive. Note the narrow road and joke of a side barrier along much of the route.